Category Archives: Drugs

Drugs

Hashing Out the Differences Between ‘THC,’ ‘CBD,’ and Delta-8

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Within the past couple years, Delta-8 THC has skyrocketed in popularity across the country as a “legal” substitute and loophole around many state and federal laws prohibiting “marijuana” and Delta-9 THC. To understand why that is, it’s important to first understand what exactly these chemicals are, and the legal definitions of the different terms. Definitions The species of plant often referred to as marijuana or hemp are different types of the same plant, Cannabis sativa L. Legally, the only difference between what we might call ‘marijuana’ from what we might call ‘hemp’ has to do with the different chemicals and different amounts of chemicals, called “cannabinoids,” found within specific plants. One of the most prevalent cannabinoids within most cannabis is called “delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol,” and is often shortened to just “THC.” It is the primary chemical responsible for activating a user’s psychoactive receptors and producing the “high” feeling that one gets from consuming cannabis. This is where one has to get into the “weeds” of Tennessee law, because § 43-27-101(4) specifically says, although there are different types of “tetrahydrocannabinol,” like delta-8, that whenever you see “THC” in Tennessee law it is specifically referring to delta-9. This is because the law was written prior to the discovery and ability to concentrate delta-8 THC in cannabis, and its natural occurrence in cannabis is not significant enough to produce the sort of “high” a user receives from the synthesized products around today. Another prominent cannabinoid is called “cannabidiol,” often shortened to CBD. CBD does not cause any of the psychoactive effects that THC does, and it has been recognized for many studied and potential health benefits. CBD has not shown potential for drug dependence or abuse, and it has been used to treat a variety of ailments like epilepsy, pain, insomnia, and anxiety; the potential downsides are also the same that you might expect from over-the-counter medications like nausea or fatigue. Legality The primary factor in determining the legality of the cannabis plant or cannabis product in question is the amount of THC within the plant or the plant the product came from. As a starting point, Tennessee has defined “marijuana” as any cannabis plant, any part of the cannabis plant, or most products coming from a cannabis plant. The major exception to that rule, is if the plant falls under the definition of “hemp,” meaning the plant has less than or equal to 0.3% delta-9 THC by dry weight. “Marijuana” is a regulated substance in Tennessee, and currently a schedule VI controlled substance pursuant to § 39-17-415. “Hemp,” on the other hand, is not a regulated or controlled substance. Delta-8 THC is a new issue that Tennessee legislators and lawyers have had to deal with, because although many state laws regulate and criminalize “THC,” that specifically means delta-9. Earlier this year, the Tennessee legislature introduced HB 1927/SB 1904, a bill that seeks to change the definition of “marijuana” to include other THCs and psychoactive chemicals like delta-8, while leaving chemicals like CBD under the definition of “hemp.” The bill has been progressing through both the House and the Senate, but it is not a law yet. Federally, the 2018 Farm Bill also legalized and regulated “hemp” in a similar fashion, but there is still debate over whether the definition allows for delta-8 to fit into that category of what is legal to produce and sell. If you have been charged with possession of marijuana and it was actually a CBD product, please reach out to our attorneys licensed in both Tennessee and Georgia. We also represent businesses involved in the CBD business. Mr. Brock is a member of the hemp law group. Find out more about that here.

Within the past couple years, Delta-8 THC has skyrocketed in popularity across the country as a “legal” substitute and loophole around many state and federal laws prohibiting “marijuana” and Delta-9 THC. To understand why that is, it’s important to first understand what exactly these chemicals are, and the legal definitions of the different terms. Definitions […]

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Drugs, DUI

Xanax passes marijuana as 2nd leading cause of DUI in AL

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Xanax passes marijuana as 2nd leading cause of DUI in AL

Alprazolam, the generic name for the anti-anxiety drug Xanax, surpassed marijuana in 2011 as the second-leading cause of impaired driving in Alabama after alcohol, according to data from traffic stops compiled by the Department of Forensic Science. Continue reading more about this here. While I don’t have the figures for TN, I would assume we are […]

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Drugs

Deadly New Drug Combinations Discovered by TBI

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Deadly New Drug Combinations Discovered by TBI

Agent authorities are worried that there are deadly new drug types that are currently being sold throughout the state, according to the information that the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation received from a drug investigation. A news release reported that there were some toxic drug combinations, in the form of samples, which were received by the bureau’s investigation team. The […]

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Drugs

Difference between CBD & Weed

Posted on by AccelerateEditor

The debate about the legalization of marijuana continues to take place in states across the country. Some states, like California, Washington, Colorado, and the District of Columbia, have legalized the recreational use of the drug. Other states, like Tennessee, have legalized cannabidiol for the treatment of medical issues. Cannabidiol, also known as CBD, is different […]

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Drugs, DUI

Can I Face DUI Charges in Tennessee for Driving while on Prescription Pills?

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Can I Face DUI Charges in Tennessee for Driving while on Prescription Pills?

Seasonal weather changes in Tennessee bring about allergies, colds, and flu. Many drivers take pills to treat them without realizing that some pills can expose them to DUI charges. Contrary to what many people think, Tennessee DUI law does not sanction only drivers who consume alcohol and illegal drugs, but anyone driving under the influence […]

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